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Introduction: Self-managed exercise and nutrition interventions can alleviate pre-frailty and frailty but understanding of adherence to them is lacking. This study aimed to explore the experiences of, and barriers and enablers to, a hospital-to-home self-managed combined exercise and nutrition program for hospitalised older adults living with pre-frailty and frailty. Methods: A hybrid approach to data- and theory-driven descriptive thematic analysis identified experiences, barriers, and enablers to participation in a 3-month, self-managed, exercise–nutrition, hospital-to-home frailty-support program. Pre-frail and frail older adult patients ≥ 65 years admitted to the acute medical unit at a South Australian tertiary hospital were recruited. Individual semi-structured interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed descriptively, using the Theoretical Domains Framework. Results: The nutrition component of the program found 11 common barriers and 18 common enablers. The exercise component included 14 barriers and 24 enablers. Intentions, Social influences, Environmental context/resource and Emotions served as primary barriers towards adherence to both components. Common enablers for both components included Knowledge, Social identity, Environmental context/resource, Social influences, and Emotions. Conclusions: This research revealed important factors affecting adherence to a self-managed exercise–nutrition program in pre-frail and frail older adults within the environment, resources, and emotion domains that should be considered when designing other intervention programs in this population group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms are more likely to develop or be exacerbated during pregnancy and the postpartum period, which can cause significant distress and impairment. However, the disorders grouped with OCD in the DSM-5, obsessive–compulsive and related disorders (OCRD; e.g., hoarding disorder (HD), body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), trichotillomania (TTM), excoriation disorder (ED)), have rarely been examined in the perinatal period. This study aimed to explore (1) the prevalence of all clinically significant OCRD symptoms in pregnancy and the postpartum period and (2) the correlations between OCRD psychopathology and postpartum functioning. Participants were recruited during their second trimester of pregnancy from a Midwestern medical center. Participants completed an online questionnaire and a semi-structured clinical interview during pregnancy (28–32 weeks' gestation, N = 276) and the postpartum period (6–8 weeks, N = 221). BDD and OCD symptoms were the most prevalent. In pregnancy, 14.9% (N = 41) of participants endorsed clinically significant BDD symptoms and 6.2% (N = 17) endorsed clinically significant OCD symptoms. In the postpartum period, 11.8% (N = 26) endorsed clinically significant BDD symptoms and 14% (N = 31) endorsed clinically significant OCD symptoms. Poorer postpartum functioning was associated with elevated OCRD symptoms in pregnancy and postpartum. OCRD symptoms occur during pregnancy and the postpartum period at rates similar or higher than other life periods. Elevated OCRD symptoms are associated with poorer postpartum functioning across domains. Future research should explore how all OCRD symptoms may affect functioning in the perinatal period, not only OCD symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Professionals who counsel and serve survivors of childhood abuse may be at risk of experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can be exacerbated by cognitive and emotional processes. It is hypothesized that (1) a significant proportion of professionals who primarily serve child abuse survivors experience elevated levels of PTSD symptoms and (2) elevated PTSD symptoms are associated with psychological inflexibility processes, specifically increased experiential avoidance, cognitive fusion, and emotion regulation difficulties. Child abuse counselors and service workers (N = 31) in a major metropolitan area were recruited for a small pilot study. Participants completed self-report measures of PTSD symptoms and levels of psychological flexibility processes. A significant proportion of counselors endorsed clinically significant PTSD symptoms (n = 13, 41.9%). PTSD symptoms were significantly associated with experiential avoidance (r =.54, p <.01) and emotion regulation difficulties (r =.51, p <.01). These associations remained significant after controlling for the personality trait of emotional stability/neuroticism. These findings suggest that PTSD symptoms may be common among child abuse counselors and service workers, and these symptoms tend to be of greater intensity when responded to in avoidant and inflexible ways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Enrollment of patients of Black African ancestry with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in phase II and phase III of the belimumab trials was not reflective of the racial distribution observed in the lupus population. This study was undertaken to assess the efficacy and safety of intravenous (IV) belimumab plus standard therapy in patients of self‐identified Black race. Methods: EMBRACE (GSK Study BEL115471; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01632241) was a 52‐week multicenter, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial in adults of self‐identified Black race with active SLE who received monthly belimumab 10 mg/kg IV, or placebo, plus standard therapy. The optional 26‐week open‐label extension phase included patients who completed the double‐blind phase. The primary end point of the study was SLE Responder Index (SRI) response rate at week 52 with modified proteinuria scoring adapted from the SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI‐2K) (SRI–SLEDAI‐2K). Key secondary end points included SRI response rate at week 52, time to first severe SLE flare, and reductions in prednisone dose. Results: The modified intent‐to‐treat population comprised 448 patients, of whom 96.9% were women and the mean ± SD age was 38.8 ± 11.42 years. The primary end point (improvement in the SRI–SLEDAI‐2K response rate at week 52) was not achieved (belimumab 48.7%, placebo 41.6%; odds ratio 1.40 [95% confidence interval 0.93, 2.11], P = 0.1068); however, numerical improvements favoring belimumab were observed, in which the SRI–SLEDAI‐2K response rates were higher in those who received belimumab compared with those who received placebo, especially in patients with SLE who had high disease activity or renal manifestations at baseline. The safety profile of belimumab was generally consistent with that observed in previous SLE trials. Adverse events were the primary reasons for double‐blind phase withdrawals (belimumab 5.4%, placebo 6.7%). Conclusion: The primary end point of this study was not achieved, but improvement with belimumab versus placebo was observed, suggesting that belimumab remains a suitable treatment option for SLE management in patients of Black African ancestry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The ability to regulate emotion is associated with affective disorders and the experience of pain. However, little is known about emotion regulation in youth with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), a population that regularly experiences pain and symptoms of depression and anxiety. This study examines the relationship between emotion regulation and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and pain interference in youth with SCD.Methods: Participants ages 8-20 at a university-based pediatric sickle cell clinic completed the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) and the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ), self-report measures assessing use of emotion regulation strategies. Participants also completed the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS), measures for symptoms of anxiety, depression, and pain interference. Multiple regression models tested associations between use of emotion regulation strategies and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and pain interference.Results: Participants were 51 patients with SCD, 30 female and 21 male, with a mean age of 13.02 years (SD = 0.47, mid-max = 8-20). Use of maladaptive emotion regulation strategies was associated with increased symptoms of depression (r = .58), anxiety (r = .45) and pain interference (r = .30) in youth with SCD.Limitations: Potential limitations of our study include small sample size, use of youth self-report measures, and participant selection contingent on the ability to attend an outpatient appointment.Conclusion: Identifying maladaptive emotion regulation strategies in youth with SCD may provide clinicians with targeted pathways for improving emotional and psychological functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The postpartum period is a vulnerable time for the development of depression. While perinatal depression has been well studied, intrusive thoughts related to the infant and classic obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms (e.g. chequering, ordering and cleaning) are also common in the postpartum and less well understood. The present study investigated the associations among depressive symptoms, intrusive thoughts, and OC symptoms and their relation to the quality of the mother–infant relationship, particularly in the realm of maternal responsiveness. Participants (N = 228) were recruited after delivery from a large Midwestern academic medical centre. At 2 and 12-week postpartum, participants completed self-report questionnaires that assessed demographics, depressive and OC symptoms, postpartum-specific intrusive thoughts and accompanying neutralising strategies, and maternal responsiveness. At 12-week postpartum, maternal responsiveness was significantly lower for participants that endorsed intrusive thoughts, neutralising strategies or OC symptoms of clinical significance. More severe intrusive thoughts and neutralising strategies were associated with maternal responsiveness but not predictive after accounting for depressive symptoms; depressive symptoms were associated with lower levels of maternal responsiveness across the postpartum. A sizable number of postpartum women experience clinically significant postpartum-specific intrusive thoughts and utilise neutralising strategies, especially in the context of postpartum depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms have the most influence on maternal responsiveness but it is also important to target intrusive thoughts and OC symptoms in the context of postpartum depression to promote the welfare of new mothers and their offspring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective to determine whether a 4-week postoperative rehabilitation program delivered in Nursing Care Facilities (NCFs) would improve quality of life and mobility compared with receiving usual care. Design parallel randomised controlled trial with integrated health economic study. Setting NCFs, in Adelaide South Australia. Subjects people aged 70 years and older who were recovering from hip fracture surgery and were walking prior to hip fracture. Measurements primary outcomes: mobility (Nursing Home Life-Space Diameter (NHLSD)) and quality of life (DEMQOL) at 4 weeks and 12 months. Results participants were randomised to treatment (n = 121) or control (n = 119) groups. At 4 weeks, the treatment group had better mobility (NHLSD mean difference −1.9; 95% CI: −3.3, −0.57; P = 0.0055) and were more likely to be alive (log rank test P = 0.048) but there were no differences in quality of life. At 12 months, the treatment group had better quality of life (DEMQOL sum score mean difference = −7.4; 95% CI: −12.5 to −2.3; P = 0.0051), but there were no other differences between treatment and control groups. Quality adjusted life years (QALYs) gained over 12 months were 0.0063 higher per participant (95% CI: −0.0547 to 0.0686). The resulting incremental cost effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were $5,545 Australian dollars per unit increase in the NHLSD (95% CI: $244 to $15,159) and $328,685 per QALY gained (95% CI: $82,654 to $75,007,056). Conclusions the benefits did not persist once the rehabilitation program ended but quality of life at 12 months in survivors was slightly higher. The case for funding outreach home rehabilitation in NCFs is weak from a traditional health economic perspective. Trial registration ACTRN12612000112864 registered on the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. Trial protocol available at https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id = 361980 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The present study describes the impact of a novel education program for food service staff from Australian aged care facilities (ACF) to facilitate improvements in food service practices. The purpose was to explore; (i) the impact of the intervention (ii) barriers and facilitators of the program from food service providers’ perspectives and (iii) make program planning and practice recommendations. Methods: Participants completed pre‐ and post‐program questionnaires, attended two focus groups on program process and impact and 4 months later reported through individual interviews on changes they had implemented. Results were triangulated between the questionnaires, focus groups and interviews and impacts and outcomes identified through directed content analysis. Results: Thirty senior‐level chefs and a cook participated from 27 ACF from Victoria, Australia. Participation impacted on the menu, dining experiences and food service practices. All of the participants were enacting changes in their workplace 4 months later as change agents. A focus on skilling the participants as ‘change agents’, brokering ongoing peer‐support and the celebrity and/or expert status of the facilitators were attributed to the success of the intervention. Conclusions: This novel intervention empowered Victorian food service providers to make positive changes in ACF. Further research is required to measure if these self‐reported changes are sustainable and relevant to other facilities and to establish the effect on food experience, satisfaction and well‐being of residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: There has been little empirical investigation of the preferences of people living in aged care homes for food services. The aim of the present study was to elicit consumer preferences and their willingness to pay for food service in aged care homes. Current residents or their family members were invited to take part in the discrete choice experiment questionnaire administered via interview. Of the 109 eligible residents and 175 eligible family members approached for consent 121 (43%) participated, including 43 residents. Participant preferences were influenced by food taste, choice in relation to serving size, timing of meal selection, visual appeal, and additional cost. Participants indicated they would be willing to pay an additional $24 (US$18.42) per week for food which tasted excellent and $8 (US$6.14) per week to have choice in serving sizes. The study found that respondents were willing to pay a premium to receive food that met their expectations of taste, and for a high level of control over serving sizes, which has implications for the funding and provision of food and dining in long‐term care in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Malnutrition is common in hospitalized patients with prevalence rates of up to 30% in Australian hospitals with adverse consequences for both the patients and health care services. Despite formulation of nutritional screening protocols, not all hospitalized patients get nutritional screening. Real life screening rates of hospitalized elderly patients are unknown. Aim: The present study explored nutrition screening rate in acutely unwell elderly patients admitted in a large tertiary hospital and how these patients fared depending upon their nutrition status. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study involving 205 general medical patients ≥60years recruited between November 2014 and November 2015. The number of patients who missed nutrition screening were noted and all patients underwent nutritional assessment by a qualified dietitian using PG-SGA and quality of life was measured using EQ-5D 5L. A survival curve was plotted and multivariate cox proportional hazard model was used to adjust for confounders. Results: Only 99 (49.7%) patients underwent nutritional screening. One hundred and six (53.5%) patients were confirmed as malnourished by PG-SGA. Malnourished patients had significantly longer length of hospital stay and had worse quality of life. Mortality was significantly higher in malnourished patients at one year (23 (21.7%) vs 4 (4.3%); p<0.001) and cox proportional hazard model suggests that malnutrition significantly affects survival even after adjustment for confounders like age, sex, Charlson index and polypharmacy. Conclusion: This study confirms that nutrition screening is still suboptimal in elderly hospitalized patients with adverse consequences and suggests need for review of policies to improve screening practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Negative affect (NA) and positive affect (PA) in the early postpartum period have been associated with postpartum depressive symptoms, but the exact relationship is not well understood. This study aimed to determine if NA and PA in the immediate postpartum period predicted postpartum depressive symptoms over and above well-established predictors (previous trauma, history of depression).Methods: Participants were prospectively recruited from a Mother-Baby Unit at a large Midwestern academic medical center in the United States from April 2011 to April 2014. Participants (N=526) completed the Daily Experiences Questionnaire (DEQ), a self-report measure which assessed NA and PA, within three days post-delivery. Participants then reported their depressive symptoms at two weeks (n=364) and twelve weeks postpartum (n=271).Results: Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that low PA and high NA after birth significantly predicted depressive symptoms early (at 2 weeks) and later (at 12 weeks) in the postpartum period, over and above previous traumatic experiences and history of depression.Limitations: The sample was relatively homogenous, and data were from self-report instruments.Conclusions: The current study found NA and PA in the days immediately after birth predicted depressive symptoms at multiple time points in the postpartum period. Because the perinatal period places women at a higher risk for depressive symptomatology, prevention and early intervention are critical. Measuring affect in hospitals immediately after birth may provide a more normalized set of items that is predictive of later depression, which will allow physicians to identify those at highest risk for developing depressive symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The aim of this study was to determine predictors of publication of abstracts presented at the annual national conference of the Dietetic Association of Australia ( DAA) in peer-reviewed journals. Methods An online survey was distributed to authors of abstracts presented at DAA national conferences between 2006 and 2009 and collected demographic data, fate of the abstract and perceived enablers and barriers of publication. Publication for non-responders was determined by database searching. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between potential predictors and publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Results Six hundred forty-eight abstracts were identified over the 4-year period. The response rate to the survey was 50%. Publication rate in a peer-reviewed journal for all abstracts was 26%. The main predictors of publication were presenting an oral versus a poster abstract (odds ratio ( OR) 2.2 95% CI 1.5-3.2) and having an academic as a co-author ( OR 6.9 95% CI 3.6-13.1). The main barriers to publication reported were lack of time and experience. Conclusions The publication rate for dietetic abstracts is low despite the profession advocating for evidence-based practice and achieving competency as part of tertiary training programmes accredited by the Dietitians Association of Australia. Partnering with an academic appears be a useful strategy that dietitians might use to overcome the reported barrier of lack of skill. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: accurate and practical assessment methods for assessing appendicular skeletal muscle (ASM) is of clinical importance for the diagnosis of geriatric syndromes associated with skeletal muscle wasting.Objectives: the purpose of this study was to develop and cross-validate novel anthropometric prediction equations for the estimate of ASM in older adults post-surgical fixation for hip fracture, using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) as the criterion measure.Subjects: community-dwelling older adults (aged ≥65 years) recently hospitalised for hip fracture.Setting: participants were recruited from hospital in the acute phase of recovery.Design: validation measurement study.Measurements: a total of 79 hip fracture patients were involved in the development of the regression models (MD group). A further 64 hip fracture patients also recruited in the early phase of recovery were used in the cross-validation of the regression models (CV group). Multiple linear regression analyses were undertaken in the MD group to identify the best performing prediction models. The linear coefficient of determination (R2) in addition to the standard error of the estimate (SEE) were calculated to determine the best performing model. Agreement between estimated ASM and ASMDEXA in the CV group was assessed using paired t-tests with the 95% limits of agreement (LOA) assessed using Bland–Altman analyses.Results: the mean age of all the participants was 82.1 ± 7.3 years. The best two prediction models are presented as follows: ASMPRED-EQUATION_1: 22.28 – (0.069 * age) + (0.407 * weight) – (0.807 * BMI) – (0.222 * MAC) (adjusted R2: 0.76; SEE: 1.80 kg); ASMPRED-EQUATION_2: 16.77 – (0.036 * age) + (0.385 * weight) – (0.873 * BMI) (adjusted R2: 0.73; SEE: 1.90 kg). The mean bias from the CV group between ASMDEXA and the predictive equations is as follows: ASMDEXA – ASMPRED-EQUATION_1: 0.29 ± 2.6 kg (LOA: −4.80, 5.40 kg); ASMDEXA – ASMPRED-EQUATION_2: 0.13 ± 2.5 kg (LOA: −4.77, 5.0 kg). No significant difference was observed between measured ASMDEXA and estimated ASM (ASMDEXA: 16.4 ± 3.9 kg; ASMPRED-EQUATION_1: 16.7 ± 3.2 kg (P = 0.379); ASMPRED-EQUATION_2: 16.6 ± 3.2 kg (P = 0.670)).Conclusions: we have developed and cross-validated novel anthropometric prediction equations against DEXA for the estimate of ASM designed for application in older orthopaedic patients. Our equation may be of use as an alternative to DEXA in the diagnosis of skeletal muscle wasting syndromes. Further validation studies are required to determine the clinical utility of our equation across other settings, including hip fracture patients admitted from residential care, and also with a longer-term follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale, aims and objectives This study aimed to describe (1) how thickened fluids are supplied to clients with dysphagia; (2) how clients' consumption of thickened fluids and hydration status is monitored; and (3) the impact of institutional factors on thickened fluid intake and hydration in Australian health care settings. Methods Speech pathologists, dietitians and nurses working in Australian health care settings were asked to voluntarily participate in an online survey that was advertised through their respective professional associations. The questions required a self-report of their practice with respect to thickened fluids. Results Few health care facilities (17%) monitored thickened fluid consumption routinely even though, in the opinion of 51% the respondents, clients on thickened fluids at their facility do not drink enough. Palatability of the thickened fluid products and patients' dependence on others for drinking were thought to have a major impact on fluid intake. Respondents also highlighted institutional factors such as inadequate assistance from staff and inconsistent systems for monitoring fluid intake and signs of dehydration. The most common way to address inadequate intake was for nurses to 'push fluids' (87%). Free water protocols were used only 14% of the time and setting small oral fluid targets throughout the day was the least common strategy (11%). Conclusions There is a need for Australian health care facilities to educate all clinical staff about the risks of dehydration and develop clinical pathways for clients with dysphagia, which include routine monitoring of oral fluid consumption and dehydration and timely intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Despite the established health benefits of fish, particularly long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, data on fish intake and the use of fish oil supplements in adult Australian is not well documented. In a sample of Australian adults aged ≥51 years, the aims were to determine: (i) the current intake of finfish/seafood and long-chain omega-3 fatty acids; (ii) the percentage meeting current Heart Foundation recommendations for long-chain omega-3 fatty acid intakes; and (iii) the percentage consuming omega 3 supplements. Methods This was a cross-sectional survey. Eight hundred and fifty-four Australians aged ≥51 years completed the survey online or by computer-assisted telephone interview. The survey included the quantitative fish frequency questionnaire and open- and closed-ended survey questions on demographics and supplement usage. Results The mean frequency of finfish/seafood consumption was 1.7 times per week (median intake 173 g). Thirteen per cent (n = 112) consumed finfish/seafood never/<1 per month and were considered 'low consumers'; 34% ate any type of finfish/seafood ≥2 times per week. Excluding the low consumers, the mean (±standard deviation) daily intake of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids was 508 ± 855 mg and 28% consumed the recommended intake of 500 mg/day from finfish/seafood alone. Forty-three per cent consumed omega 3 supplements. Conclusions Current fish consumption in older Australians is low and many do not meet the current recommendations. A further understanding of why many older adults consume low amounts of finfish/seafood is necessary. Strategies to enhance intake to meet dietary recommendations in this older age group are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ageing is associated with weight loss and subsequently poor health outcomes. The present study assessed agreement between two field methods, bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (BIS) and corrected arm muscle area (CAMA) for assessment of body composition against dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), the reference technique. Agreement between two predictive equations estimating skeletal muscle mass (SMM) from BIS against SMM from DXA was also determined. Assessments occurred at baseline < 14 d post-surgery (n 79), and at 6 months (6M; n 75) and 12 months (12M; n 63) in community-living older adults after surgical treatment for hip fracture. The 95 % limits of agreement (LOA) between BIS and DXA, CAMA and DXA and the equations and DXA were assessed using Bland–Altman analyses. Mean bias and LOA for fat-free mass (FFM) between BIS and DXA were: baseline, 0·7 ( − 10·9, 12·4) kg; 6M, − 0·5 ( − 20·7, 19·8) kg; 12M, 0·1 ( − 8·7, 8·9) kg and for SMM between CAMA and DXA were: baseline, 0·3 ( − 11·7, 12·3) kg; 6M, 1·3 ( − 4·5, 7·1) kg; 12M, 0·9 ( − 5·4, 7·2) kg. Equivalent data for predictive equations against DXA were: equation 1: baseline, 15·1 ( − 9·5, 20·6) kg; 6M, 17·1 ( − 12·0, 22·2) kg; 12M, 17·5 ( − 13·0, 22·0) kg; equation 2: baseline, 12·6 ( − 7·3, 19·9) kg; 6M, 14·4 ( − 9·7, 19·1) kg; 12M, 14·8 ( − 10·7, 18·9) kg. Proportional bias (BIS: β = − 0·337, P< 0·001; CAMA: β = − 0·294, P< 0·001) was present at baseline but not at 6M or 12M. Clinicians should be cautious in using these field methods to predict FFM and SMM, particularly in the acute care setting. New predictive equations would be beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Among 854 Australians ⩾51years of age, this cross-sectional survey explored knowledge regarding finfish consumption, sources of information on fish and omega 3 fatty acids, what barriers limit finfish consumption and what factors predict its consumption. The survey consisted of a validated quantitative fish frequency questionnaire with additional questions on barriers and knowledge relating to finfish. Twelve percent of respondents consumed oily fish ⩾2 times per week. Cost was the most frequently (37%) reported barrier for fresh finfish consumption. In multiple regression analysis, respondents’ exposure to multiple sources of information (odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 1.135 (1.01, 1.28), who correctly identified the current recommendations for fish consumption; 1.87 (1.13, 3.07), agreed that fish improves general health; 3.57 (1.13, 11.30), and reported fewer barriers towards canned fish consumption; 0.59 (0.41, 0.84) were more likely to consume ⩾2 servings of fresh finfish per week. Education and health programs need to be readily available highlighting current recommendations for fish consumption and how targets can be achieved. Meal plans with various finfish/seafood and amounts of omega 3 fatty acids required to achieve recommendations, and within a suitable budget, is likely to be an important strategy to target older consumers to increase consumption. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Depression is a frequent accompaniment of the perinatal period. Although screening improves detection of perinatal depression, it does not in itself improve mental health treatment entry and, therefore, does not improve outcomes. This study addresses the feasibility of incorporating diagnostic assessment for depression directly into perinatal care visits and the influence of doing so on entry into mental health treatment. Methods: The Perinatal Depression Management Program was implemented in an urban community health center serving a predominantly Hispanic population. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was administered during perinatal visits. Positive screens (scores ≥10) were followed within the same visit by brief diagnostic assessment and engagement strategies. Chart review was conducted to compare rates of screening, assessment, and treatment entry during a 3-month baseline period before implementation of the intervention ( n=141) with a 1-year period after implementation of the intervention ( n=400). Results: Before the intervention, 65.2% of patients completed a PHQ-9, and 10% of patients with positive screens received on-site assessment. None of the patients with identified perinatal depression entered treatment. After model implementation, significantly more (93.5%) completed a PHQ-9, and of patients with positive screens, 84.8% received an on-site assessment. Among patients diagnosed with major depression and offered treatment, 90% entered treatment. Conclusions: It is feasible to implement diagnostic assessment for depression within perinatal clinic visits. Doing so may substantially increase entry into mental health treatment for women with perinatal major depression while reducing unnecessary mental health referral of patients with false positive screens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food service provision in nursing homes is a complex, adaptive system through which multiple stakeholders interface. Organizational stakeholders include staff involved in preparing and delivering meals. Consumer stakeholders are the end users including residents and family. Questionnaires can be an economical and efficient method of measuring food service satisfaction in nursing homes and a powerful quality improvement tool. (1) To identify questionnaires that measure food service satisfaction of various stakeholders in a nursing homes and (2) to critically appraise the psychometric properties of identified questionnaires. Five electronic databases were searched (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Medline, ProQuest, Scopus, and Cochrane) in April 2020. Data from the eligible studies were extracted, and the psychometric properties were critically appraised using the Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments. This review identified 129 studies that used a questionnaire to measure food service satisfaction in nursing homes. Of those, 107 studies representing 75 unique general nursing home satisfaction questionnaires were excluded for failing to adequately explore aspects related to food service. From the remaining 22 studies, 7 food service satisfaction questionnaires were identified; 5 intended for consumers (residents) and 2 intended for organizational stakeholders (staff). Using the Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments quality criteria, most questionnaires had flaws in content validity and construct validity, primarily due to small sample sizes. No questionnaires explored food service satisfaction from the family perspective. Nursing homes collect satisfaction information for accreditation, marketing, benchmarking, and quality improvement. Although questionnaires are easy to administer, the quality of the data they collect is impacted by the validity and reliability of the questionnaires used. Using unreliable satisfaction data may mean that nursing homes are not accurately able to understand the impact of changes in the system on stakeholder satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: This study validated the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) for nutritional screening in acutely unwell elderly patients against a reference assessment tool - Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA).Methods and Study Design: One hundred and thirty two acutely admitted general medical patients contributed data for this study. In addition to performance of MUST and PG-SGA the following nutritional parameters were measured: weight loss >5% in previous 3-6 months, handgrip strength, triceps skinfold thickness, Mid-arm circumference, Mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC). Quality of life (QoL) was determined using the EuroQoL Questionnaire (EQ-5D 5 level). Sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and concordance were calculated to validate MUST against PG-SGA.Results: MUST when compared to PG-SGA gave a sensitivity of 69.7%, specificity of 75.8%, positive predictive value of 75.4%, negative predictive value of 70.1% and kappa statistics showed 72.7% agreement (k=0.49) for detecting malnutrition. The MUST score had significant inverse correlation with body mass index, Triceps skinfold thickness and Mid-arm muscle circumference but not with Handgrip strength. Malnourished patients (PG-SGA class B/C) were found to have a significantly worse QoL.Conclusions: This study demonstrates that MUST can be confidently administered with respect to validity in acutely unwell general medical elderly patients to detect malnutrition. In this study, significant recent weight loss also seems to have validity, almost comparable to MUST, for predicting the risk of malnutrition. Further research is needed to verify this finding, as a single item may be more feasible to complete than an instrument consisting of two or more items. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]